VIN: the Paul Hawkins Lola T70 Mk3B GT chassis SL76/142
History of chassis SL76/142
Considered among the best sports car drivers of his time, Australian Paul Hawkins was variously employed by the works Porsche and Ferrari teams as well as Carroll Shelby and the Gulf-backed John Wyer Automotive Engineering squad between 1966 and 1968.
In 1967, he established Paul Hawkins Racing and went on to purchase several top flight cars including a Ford GT40 and Ferrari 350 Can-Am. A pair of Lola T70s were also acquired by the Aussie driver: a 1967 Mk3 GT from Jackie Epstein and a brand new quasi-works 1969 Mk3B GT (chassis SL76/142).
This latest machine was painted red with white tabs and, in Hawkins’ hands, proved to be one of the quickest T70s around. It took pole at the Spa 1000km World Championship race and would have secured a class victory were it not for an engine failure late on.
In addition to several World Championship events, Hawkins planned to do a full season in the 1969 British Sports Car Championship.
The first three rounds yielded a win at Snetterton and two third places. Fourth position at a wet Silverstone followed although Hawkins had looked certain to win in Northamptonshire before a throttle linkage pin broke.
Round five was the Oulton Park Tourist Trophy and Hawkins started from pole. However, in changeable conditions, he found himself seventh during the closing stages after a stop for dry tyres.
Attempting to charge back up the order, the Lola ran wide onto the grass at Island Bend and span across the road before it slammed into a tree.
The car was engulfed in a huge sheet of flame and Paul Hawkins was killed instantly.
The burning wreck blocked the track and the rest of the race was called off.
Notable History
Paul Hawkins Racing, Slough
Red with white tabs
30/03/1969 BSC Silverstone International Trophy (P. Hawkins) 3rd oa, 3rd 2.0+ class (#28)
04/04/1969 BSC Snetterton Guards Trophy (P. Hawkins) 1st oa, 1st S5.0 class (#52)
07/04/1969 BSC Thruxton Embassy Trophy (P. Hawkins) 3rd oa, 3rd S2.0+ class (#2)
13/04/1969 WSC Brands Hatch 6 Hours (P. Hawkins / J. Williams) DNF (#1)
01/05/1969 IND Magny-Cours (P. Hawkins) 2nd oa, 2nd SRP 1.3+ class (#84)
04/05/1969 IND Dijon (P. Hawkins) 1st oa (#1)
11/05/1969 WSC Spa 1000km (P. Hawkins / D. Prophet) 8th oa, 2nd S5.0 class (#33)
17/05/1969 BSC Silverstone Martini Trophy (P. Hawkins) 4th oa, 4th S2.0+ class (#3)
26/05/1969 BSC Oulton Park Tourist Trophy (P. Hawkins) DNF (#37)
Destroyed in Hawkins’ fatal accident at the Oulton Park Tourist Trophy
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
